New World.
"This guy really dared to do it… and he actually pulled it off."
Garp's expression revealed nothing of what he was thinking.
Beside him, Aokiji's brows were tightly furrowed.
"His strength is growing way too fast. When I fought him earlier, he hid a huge portion of his power."
Aokiji spoke as he looked toward Garp.
"Maybe… he's always been hiding his true strength, never once showing it to you, me, or anyone else."
Garp touched his chin at those words, then nodded.
"That's the only explanation."
From their perspective, indeed — there was no other way to explain it.
"Get ready. We're probably going back."
Garp finally said after a moment of thought.
Aokiji nodded.
Yes — with something this enormous happening at Mary Geoise, the Navy's next situation would definitely become extremely difficult.
They couldn't stay here watching the Red Hair Pirates and Big Mom fight.
What they didn't know was that this war was also about to end.
The sudden news forced both Red-Haired Shanks and Charlotte Linlin to temporarily halt their battle.
"Don…?"
Charlotte Linlin's eyes locked onto Katakuri standing before her.
"That brat attacked Mary Geoise, killed Celestial Dragons, and carved a hole through the Red Line?"
She asked again to confirm.
The rest of the Charlotte Family remained silent, all looking toward Katakuri.
At this point, he had practically become the second-in-command of the entire family.
"Yes, Mama. All of this just happened not long ago. Judging from the situation, that man has already entered the New World."
Katakuri replied.
Because of the battle, he didn't personally see the News Co. transmission — everything he knew came from reports.
But even through secondhand descriptions, he knew this would shake the entire New World.
No — not just the New World.
The entire sea.
"So, Mama, we should stop the war and prepare for the changes that are coming."
Katakuri's words darkened Charlotte Linlin's expression.
However, without her hunger pangs acting up, Charlotte Linlin wasn't stupid — especially when her own safety might be involved.
"Keep an eye on that man. Also… watch what that red-haired brat intends to do."
She'd fought Shanks several times. After so many clashes, she knew well — taking Shanks down wasn't easy.
Since that was the case, she didn't want to continue either.
Shanks' Conqueror's Haki was too troublesome.
On the other side, Shanks clearly had no intention of continuing the war either.
The conflict had lasted long enough; and at this level, unless the leader of one side fell, continuing would only increase casualties.
Especially now that something world-shaking had happened.
"We talked about him before."
Shanks looked at the newspaper in his hand — the earlier report featuring Don.
Staring at Don's still slightly youthful face, Shanks couldn't help but sigh.
A question even stirred in his heart
He bet on the East Blue's future, sure.
But… did he bet on the wrong person?
"Captain, what now?"
Beckman asked.
"Contact Big Mom. End the war. The world's about to change in a huge way."
Shanks replied.
"And us?"
"We'll cross through Totto Land. And make sure someone keeps an eye on that man. Also— gather intel on that Hunter Association."
Shanks continued, deliberately emphasizing the Hunter Association.
"Understood."
Beckman nodded.
In his vision, this war really should have ended already.
And now, the entire world's eyes were on Sabaody and Mary Geoise.
"What an outrageous man…"
Shanks exhaled, unsure what kind of upheaval the world was about to experience.
"Gurarararara— what a lawless brat!"
Whitebeard burst into booming laughter, lifting a bowl of sake and drinking it down with satisfaction.
" Pops, you're actually happy? That guy's dangerous."
Marco looked at the cheerful Whitebeard, confused.
"Yeah, Pops, with that guy entering the New World, things will definitely get chaotic."
Vista said, face tense.
Everyone looked toward Whitebeard.
"What does it matter? Can you stop strong men from appearing on the sea?"
Whitebeard blinked, then laughed boldly.
"Just do what you should do. With me here, everything is fine!"
He waved casually.
"That's right! Pops is the strongest in the world!"
"Pops is unbeatable!"
The entire crew cheered loudly.
Hidden in a corner, Blackbeard Teach stared at the scene, shock filling his eyes as he remembered what he just heard and saw.
This script
It should've been his.
No.
Even if he succeeded later, he wouldn't do something THIS reckless.
Just what… is this man planning?
While the world trembled, Fishman Island beneath Mary Geoise was also shaken violently.
The massive quake struck the entire island, sending shockwaves through every part of it.
Robin looked up anxiously, but all she could see was the massive bubble barrier holding back the sea above Fishman Island.
"Don won't be in danger… right?"
Her voice carried deep worry.
"It's fine. Since he said he'd be okay, he must have a plan. Maybe by the time we leave Fishman Island, he'll already be waiting for us."
Issho understood Robin's concern and offered comfort.
After all, this wasn't the first time something like this had happened.
Especially earlier, when Fishman Island shook so violently it felt like it would be destroyed entirely.
"Maybe we should ask Jinbe? Didn't you say he returned? And brought back a lot of fishmen?"
Robin turned to Issho.
"He returned before the quake started. Even if he rescued those people from Sabaody, they probably don't know much."
Robin nodded.
"Then let's prepare to leave Fishman Island as soon as possible."
She decided.
"Bad news! Fishman Island is blocked!"
A shout echoed outside — rushing closer, then farther, clearly the person ran past them.
Robin and Issho froze, then immediately headed out of their temporary residence.
Before long, they learned what had happened.
Countless translucent fragments — and some pitch-black, glossy rocks — had fallen from above the ocean, sealing both passages connected to Fishman Island.
There were too many of them, and no one knew how they appeared or why they were here.
Fishman Island had fallen into panic.
"That looks like…?"
Robin hesitated, then looked at Issho.
"Mm. No doubt — Don must've done it."
Given he previously carved a canyon in Alabasta as well, it wasn't surprising.
END OF CHAPTER
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